Forlan, Seedorf promise success for new clubs

Rio de Janeiro, July 8 (IANS) Brazilian football club’s star signings Diego Forlan and Clarence Seedorf had a message for fans of their respective new clubs: they have come to Brazil to win trophies.

In Porto Alegre, Uruguay striker Forlan told supporters of Internacional that he was fulfilling a lifelong goal by playing in Brazil, where his father represented Sao Paulo and Cruzeiro, reported Xinhua.

“I’ve always liked Brazilian football and have watched it since I was a kid,” the 33-year-old said before Internacional’s match against Cruziero, which the home team won 2-1

Forlan, winner of the 2010 Golden Ball award for the best player at the 2010 World Cup, agreed to a three-year contract with Internacional on Friday.

His move follows a disappointing season with Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A, where he scored just two goals in 20 matches across all competitions.

“The reception I’ve had from fans since arriving has been incredible,” Forlan said. “Now I just want to start training and playing as soon as possible. I want to have success here and know that I can get back my best form.”

In Rio de Janeiro, former Dutch international midfielder Clarence Seedorf arrived at the Engenhao stadium by helicopter and was welcomed with a fireworks display and ticker tape explosions.

“Good night, fans,” Seedorf said, in perfect Portuguese. “I have arrived and now my time at Botafogo will begin.

“Thank you for your support. Next week I will start working towards helping Botafogo move to the top.”

The former AC Milan playmaker then watched Botafogo move to sixth in Brazil’s Serie A standings with a 3-0 victory over Bahia.

The 36-year-old was greeted by an estimated 2000 Botafogo fans upon his arrival at Rio’s international airport Friday.